Thistle Inn Tavern

Now surrounded by office blocks, the Thistle Inn is one of New Zealand's oldest public houses. Originally built in 1840, the Thistle Inn was rebuilt after a fire in 1866, the remains of its single story being rebulit then into its current two stories. In between times the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake pushed the 'new' part of Thorndon up from the Harbour floor, and the sea which once lapped at the door of the Thistle is now 550 metres away from what is now the Port area.

it has a rich history of people who have drunk there, Te Rauaraha among them. Once popular with sailors, it has left its rough days behind and, for many office workers, including the heads of Government departments, is a venue for an after work rendezvous. It is also a favourite meeting place for spectators heading for games at the Westpac Stadium.

The Thistle Inn featured in Katherine Mansfield's short story 'Leves Amores', a story with erotic overtones written in the short time she was back in New Zealand before leaving for Europe for good.

The Thistle Inn is a Category One Historic Place. It can be a noisy place to eat in the main bar but there are quieter rooms where the restaurant food can be appreciated.